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Housing, Cars & Remittances

Visa-Timeline Rent vs Buy Calculator

Standard calculators assume you'll stay 30 years. This one ties the rent-vs-buy decision to your real US visa horizon, including selling costs if you relocate.

Your details

Over your 3-year timeline

Renting wins by

$52,990

Net cost of buying$123,750
Net cost of renting$70,760
Buying breakdown
Down payment$100,000
Closing costs (3%)$15,000
Mortgage paid$91,018
Property tax + upkeep$40,182
Home value at sale$546,364
Selling costs (7%)$38,245
Equity recovered at sale$122,449
On a 3-year horizon, renting likely wins. A short visa timeline often means you sell before recouping the heavy buy/sell transaction costs. The longer your secure timeline, the better buying looks — try 6 or 10 years.

Estimate only. Assumes 30-yr mortgage, 3% closing, 7% selling, ~1.1% property tax and ~1.5% upkeep per year. Excludes mortgage-interest tax deductions and local market variation. Consult a financial professional.

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Educational estimate only. This calculator provides general estimates and is not financial, tax, legal, or immigration advice. Rules change and vary by state, visa status, and individual circumstance. Consult a qualified professional before acting. See our full disclaimer.

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